25 Mar 2019 | 01:27 AM UTC
Australia: Red alert remains active for Cyclone Veronica March 25 /update 3
Red alerts remain in effect for Western Australia’s Pilbara coast as Tropical Cyclone Veronica moves along coastline March 25; continued flooding and associated disruptions, including power outages and road closures, expected in coming days
Event
A red alert issued by Australia's Bureau of Meteorology for areas of Western Australia remains in effect as of the morning (local time) of Monday, March 25, due to Tropical Cyclone Veronica. The storm has made landfall near Port Hedland and is forecast to move west slowly along the coastline, allowing it to weaken slowly and bring higher rainfall amounts to coastal communities. High storm surges area also expected along with major flooding, particularly in areas east of the storm's center. Strong winds with gusts up to 138 kph (86 mph) and associated damage are forecast. Power outages, telecommunication disruptions, and road closures are expected in the coming days along the Pilbara coast.
Advice
Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders, shelter-in-place orders, road closures, etc.), and anticipate power and telecommunication outages, severe weather, flooding, and transportation disruptions (e.g. flight disruptions and road closures).
Remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products; all items in contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.
